Episode #101 - Kenny Smith

Episode #101 - Kenny Smith

Author: Tim Batts and Josh Williams May 8, 2026 Duration: 1:24:15
Episode #101 – The Hometown Bluegrass Show Featuring Kenny Smith with host Tim Batts and Josh Williams In Episode #101, Josh sits down with Kenny Smith for a conversation centered around the heart of bluegrass music—great songs, great guitars, and the stories behind both. Kenny shares memories of his early musical influences and the players who shaped his approach to guitar. From learning traditional rhythm techniques to developing his unmistakable lead style, he talks about the journey that helped define his sound in bluegrass music. Josh and Kenny also dive into one of Kenny’s biggest passions—vintage guitars. They discuss what makes an old instrument special, how tone changes with age, and some of the memorable guitars Kenny has played throughout his career. Guitar enthusiasts will especially enjoy hearing Kenny’s thoughts on craftsmanship, wood, setup, and what he listens for when choosing an instrument.

There’s a particular sound and spirit that comes from the heart of bluegrass, and that’s exactly what you’ll find on Hometown Bluegrass Show. Hosts Tim Batts and Josh Williams-the latter a twenty-time Bluegrass Guitar Player of the Year-bring together decades of life on the road and deep musical knowledge into a weekly conversation that feels like pulling up a chair backstage. Each episode blends the latest news from the scene with candid interviews featuring the artists, promoters, and craftspeople who keep the tradition alive and evolving. Beyond the stories and commentary, Josh offers practical guitar lessons drawn from his own technique, giving players of any level a direct line to improving their craft. It’s this mix of education, personal narrative, and industry insight that makes the podcast a rich resource for both dedicated fans and aspiring musicians. You’re invited into a community where the history of the genre is respected, its present is celebrated, and its future is discussed with genuine passion. For anyone who feels the pull of a mandolin riff or the storytelling in a well-sung harmony, this show offers a genuine connection to the music’s enduring soul.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Hometown Bluegrass Show
Podcast Episodes
Episode #81 - Steve Chandler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
On this episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Josh sings a classic song from Keith Whitley, highlighting the roots of traditional bluegrass and its lasting influence. We also sit down for a fun and engaging conversatio…
Episode #80 - Rick Faris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:22
Episode #80 – Conversation with Rick Faris
Episode #78 - Austin Scelzo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:50
Episode 78 – Carolina in the Pines & A Conversation With Austin Scelzo
Episode #77 - Josh & Wheldon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:00
Tim was out of town this week, so Josh took the controls—and he brought in a special co-host: his son, Wheldon!
Episode #76 - Shawn Camp [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:00
The Hometown Bluegrass Show – Episode 76
Episode #75 - Heather & Tony Mabe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:00
In this milestone 75th episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim and Josh celebrate traditional sounds and heartfelt storytelling. Josh kicks things off with a classic from Bill Anderson, setting the tone for a show fi…
Episode #72 - 2025 River Folk Festival [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:00
️ The Hometown Bluegrass Show – Episode #72 Hosted by: Josh Williams & Tim Batts Recorded live at: The River Folk Festival – Calvert City, KY